We have changed to smaller cars*

Toyota T&T president:

adapting to budget: President of Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, Shigeru Ito, centre, presents the keys to Elwynn Ojah Reesal for his new Toyota Yaris at Toyota’s San Fernando showroom, SouthPark, Tarouba, following the media launch of the 2018 Toyota Yaris on Saturday. Looking on at left is Ryan Latchu, vice-president, Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. —Photo: DEXTER PHILIP

TOYOTA Trinidad and Tobago Ltd has responded to changes in the automotive sector following the 2018 budget and issues with foreign exchange availability by focusing on smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Speaking at the launch of the 2018 Toyota Yaris at its San Fernando branch at SouthPark, San Fernando, on Saturday, TTTL president Shigeru Ito said: “In (the) last Government budget, a change of the paradigm was stated. Fuel subsidy has been removed and in our automotive sector, motor vehicle tax and customs duty has been increased by 25 per cent for the passenger car with engine capacity exceeding 1599cc and not exceeding 1999cc. With the pressure of the forex reserve, (the) message to our industry was clear in shifting to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles.”